Is modern life ruining our powers of concentration?

Equally, though mindless digital diversions like playing Candy Crush or even scrolling social media might seem like exactly the kind of time-wasting that we should be striving to avoid, it actually serves a valuable function, says Mark. That kind of easy, rote activity is not only enjoyable, it replenishes our cognitive resources, necessary for us to be productive later on.

Attention Span: Finding Focus for a Fulfilling Life, by Dr Gloria Mark, is published on 5 January by William Collins at £22). Order it now from guardianbookshop.com for £19.14

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